A certification to verify that the brand does not engage in or conduct any practices that use animal testing anywhere in its supply chain or pre- or post-market testing. 

The Credo Clean Standard ™ requires final products be cruelty free. 

Product does not contain wheat, hydrolyzed what protein, barley, oat, or oat derivatives (which may have been cross-contaminated with wheat) are present. 

Credo requires brands to conduct third-party testing in order to make a gluten-free claim on their final product.

Ingredients used in a product do not contain soy or soy protein. 

Examples: Soybean Oil, Soy Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein

The ingredients used in the final product are not derived from animals nor do they contain any animal byproducts. 

Credo allows only 7 animal-derived ingredients- Beeswax, Carmine, Lanolin, Keratin, Shellac, Cholesterol & Lactose. Brands are encouraged to obtain assurances from suppliers of humane treatment of the animals the ingredients are sourced from. 

A product certification program with a rigorous, scientific, and independent certification process. Brands seeking certification are screened to ensure that over 15,000 substances have been avoided or restricted as well as manufacturing transparency and disclosure of each substance involved in formulation to analyze sources of pollution and environmental impact.

A third-party-verified environmental and social standards across sourcing, formulation, and manufacturing. It confirms that ingredients are naturally derived when required, production processes are responsible, and overall practices align with sustainable, transparent, and ethically driven criteria. 

A product which contains at least 70% certified organic material.

A product which contains 95% or more organic agricultural material and is certified by USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) as organic. 

The product does not contain ethyl alcohol. 

Note that cosmetic products may contain other alcohols such as cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl, or lanolin alcohol. These are known as fatty alcohols, and their effect on the skin are quite different from those of ethyl alcohol (see fatty alcohol for use and function)

This product uses refillable components, or glass, paper, post-consumer recycled plastic, or bio-based resin. 

A product does not ingredients that were a result of genetic engineered crop. 

All fragrance ingredients used in the final product are fully disclosed to the consumer on the ingredient list. 

Credo requires brands to categorize their fragrance components and encourages full fragrance transparency

 An ingredient used to attract and hold water into the skin and draw moisture from the air to keep the outer skin hydrated and supple. 

Examples: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Lactic Acid

Ingredients that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors (UV radiation and pollution). 

Examples: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Carotenoids

A type of moisturizer (mostly oil based) and function to maintain skin water content by creating a hydrophobic barrier over the skin and blocking trans-epidermal water loss. 
 

Examples: Petrolatum, Lanolin, Dimethicone (and other silicones), Beeswax

A class of functional ingredients found in formulas that allow oil and water ingredients to remain blended in a stable and homogenous state. There are different types of emulsifiers depending on what type of formula it is (cleanser, moisturizer, foundation, etc.). 

A type of emulsifier that mainly aids in cleansing and foam formation (especially in cleansers and shampoos). 

A type of moisturizing substance that helps soothe, soften, and increase moisture levels in the skin. 

Fatty compounds that form the intercellular matrix (the “mortar”) of the skin, acting as a barrier against water loss

Examples: Ceramides, Cholesterol, Free Fatty Acids

A mixture of water-attracting compounds found in the corneocytes (the “bricks”) in skin, which help draw and retain moisture in the skin. (Humectants are part of the NMF class)

Examples: Amino Acids, Urea, Electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, and potassium)

The building blocks of a majority of lipids.

Examples: Alpha-Linolenic Acid (omega-3), Linoleic Acid (omega-6), Oleic Acid (omega-9)

Vital fats that the body can’t produce, requiring dietary intake to maintain levels for cell health, energy, and forming crucial compounds. 

Examples: Alpha-Linolenic Acid (omega-3), Linoleic Acid (omega-6)

Long-chain primary alcohols, typically derived from natural fats through a few different processes (including alcohol production from fatty acids!). Fatty alcohols, unlike short-chain alcohols (like ethyl alcohol noted earlier) are non-drying and can act as emollients, emulsifiers, and thickeners in a cosmetic formula. 

Examples: Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, and Lanolin Alcohol

A class of organic compounds that are used primarily for their fragrances and preservative properties.

Examples: Benzyl Alcohol 

Short chain primary alcohols, known as dehydrating alcohols that can be used as solvents in formulas. 

Examples: Alcohol Denat., Ethyl Alcohol, Ethanol

Necessary ingredients added to products to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. 

Examples: Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, and Benzyl Alcohol

Compounds that deliver the key benefits of a product, such as hydration, anti-aging, or soothing effects (e.g., vitamins, peptides, acids).

A class of ingredients that help “reprogram” aging skin cells to behave more like healthy cells, reducing inflammation and supporting collagen production without killing the cells.

Ingredients that can interact with the body and have a beneficial effect on the skin (without being an essential nutrient). 

Ingredients or formulations designed to mimic the skin’s natural structures and functions, supporting overall skin health and barrier integrity.

Ingredients that have been scientifically-proven for their efficacy and results.

Humectant that attracts and hold moisture on the surface of the skin, helping with hydration levels. 

A mult-tasking vitamin that helps strengthen the skin barrier, even tone, reduce redness, and balance oil. 

A humectant that draws water seep into the skin to help maintain hydration levels and is able to penetrate deeper into the skin to support barrier function. 

A humectant that helps soothe and hydrate the skin while supporting skin barrier function and helping calm irritation. 

A potent antioxidant that helps brighten skin, support collagen production, and protects against environmental stressors. Many types of vitamin C available, each with slightly different functions.

Examples: L-Ascorbic Acid (pure form), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Lipids found naturally in the skin that act as the "mortar" in the skin barrier forming a protective barrier to lock in moisture. 

An antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and supports skin conditioning. 

Water-soluble chemical exfoliants that work to dissolve the glue holding onto to dead skin cells to promote cell turnover to brighten and smooth the skin. 

Examples: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Malic Acid

Oil-soluble chemical exfoliants that penetrate pores to help clear congestion and refine skin texture.

Example: Salicylic Acid

Gentle exfoliating acids with a larger molecular size (stay closer to the surface of the skin) that smooth skin while providing hydration, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

Example: Gluconolactone

Naturally-derived exfoliation compounds that gently dissolve surface dead skin cells to smooth and brighten the skin. (Think of enzymes like a pacman on the skin). 

Examples: Bromelain (Pineapple), Papain (Papaya), and Pumpkin Enzymes

Very small (nano-sized) vesicles with a variety of capabilities including helping with intercellular communication, delivering bioactive molecules, and influencing immune responses.  

A group of 20 molecules that form together in different variations to build peptides that then build proteins. In cosmetic formulations, they have a wide variety of functions including hydration/ moisture retention, collagen and elastin production, antioxidant protection, and hair conditioning. 

Vitamin A and its derivatives (retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, retinyl esters, and retinol + many other synthetic derivations) that are able to influence a variety of cellular processes including improvement in fine and coarse wrinkling, sallowness, hyperpigmentation, epidermal thickness, and roughness. Results are dependent on dosage, length of use, and form of retinoid used.
 

Examples: Tretinoin, Retinol, Retinaldehyde, Retinyl Palmitate

Plant based alternatives to synthetic retinoids that have functionally analogous effects on the skin. Generally a more gentle alternative to synthetic retinoids. 

Examples: Bakuchiol and Rambutan

The building blocks of proteins that consist of 3-30 amino acids. Their effect on the skin is based on the type of peptide and mechanism of action but can include hydration, brightening, and firming benefits. 

Beneficial byproducts from bacteria that support skin barrier health and the microbiome.

Ingredients that feed the good skin bacteria and encourage the growth and diversity of good bacteria to strengthen the skin's natural defense system. 

Live bacteria that directly influence the skin's microbiome. 

A plant-based ingredient, usually derived from mushrooms and herbs, that helps the skin manage stress and maintain balance.

Either Organic (Chemical) or Inorganic (Mineral). Ingredients that absorb and scatter UVA and UVB rays to protect the skin from the UV damage. 

Credo currently only offers sunscreens with inorganic filters. 

An ingredient that came from a plant or mineral but has been processed and/ or combined with other ingredients which may be synthetic. 

Credo notes that any naturally-derived should not be labeled or advertised as fully natural. 

An ingredient that is made by manufacturing processes using methods that do not occur in nature. Generally derived from petrochemical feedstocks (oil or gas) or a natural feedstock but has been processed to the point that it cannot authentically be considered “plant-based” or “bio-based”
 

Credo notes that “bio-identical” or “lab fermented” ingredients are considered synthetic. 

Ingredients that are harvested from plants from their natural, or wild, habitat. When done sustainably and with respect, only the fruit, flowers or branches are carefully removed, and the living plant is left healthy and intact

Synthetic, bioengineered compounds created using advanced techniques such as fermentation that are designed to mimic or enhance natural skin processes for measurable results.

Plant-derived compounds selected for their proven efficacy in protecting, soothing, or restoring the skin.

essential molecules made up of amino acids present in skin structure providing essential building blocks, moisturizing, and protective qualities. Proteins maintain skin’s structure, firmness and elasticity.

One of the main proteins that form the extracellular matrix that is responsible for structural support and strength (think of collagen like a supportive framework for the skin). 

One of the main proteins that form the extracellular matrix that is responsible for providing elasticity to the skin (allowing skin to stretch and snap back into place). 

The deeper layer of the skin that provides structure and elasticity. Contains collagen, elastin, blood vessels, and nerves. 

Note: Most skincare ingredients are not able to penetrate down to the dermis (only ingredients with correct delivery systems and small molecular sizes) 

The outermost layer of skin that acts as a protective barrier and is responsible for skin tone and cell turnover. 

A network of proteins and molecules within the dermis (like collagen and hyaluronic acid) that surrounds skin cells that helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity. 

The outermost layer of the epidermis made of dead skin cells and lipids, forming the skin’s primary barrier against moisture loss and environmental stressors. Like a "brick wall" made of corneocytes (bricks) and essential lipids (mortar). 

Dead, keratin-filled cells that make up the "brick" of the skin barrier, protecting the skin from environmental damage and prevent water loss. These types of cells shed and are replaced by new cells. 

The community of beneficial bacteria on the skin that protects against harmful microbes and supports overall skin health.

The network of nerve cells that controls sensations, movement, and communication between the brain and body. 

In skincare, it influences sensitivity, inflammation, and stress responses in the skin.

A thin, protective film on the skin’s surface part of the skin barrier that maintains the skins acidic pH and helps maintain a healthy microbiome. 

A series of gentle, rhythmic movements designed to encourage lymph flow, reduce puffiness, and enhance facial sculpting.

This can be done with tools like gua sha's or with intentional hand movements. 

The use of cooling tools or techniques to reduce puffiness, stimulate circulation, and enhance treatment absorption.

The circulation of blood in small vessels near the surface of the skin, stimulated through massage and cooling techniques.

The strength of the skin’s outer layer, protecting against moisture loss, irritation, and environmental damage.

The function and vitality of skin cells, supporting repair, regeneration, and overall skin resilience.

The efficiency of the skin cells’ energy “powerhouses”, which support repair, collagen production, and protection from stress.

The measure of acidity or alkalinity in the skin. Balanced pH supports barrier health and microbiome function.

A healthy skin pH is between 4.7 to 5.75.

A process where sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin, stiffening proteins and causing aging.

Proteins or lipids that have undergone glycation. The accumulation of these products contribution to certain aging processes.

Unstable molecules that are produced in the skin and from external sources (smoking, pollution, radiation, among others) and when produced in excess create oxidative stress which causes damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA. 

Packaging made from recycled materials that has already been used by consumers. 

Credo requires that petroleum-derived plastic packaging contain 50% or more recycled content, with a few noted exceptions on the clean standard ranging from needs for durability and refill ability. 

Plastic packages smaller than a yogurt cup like squeezable tubes, pumps, caps, and other common formats that are unlikely to be recycled in curbside programs. 

A nonprofit organization co-founded by Credo and MOB beauty launched in 2021. The mission is to create circularity within the beauty industry, provide solutions for hard-to-recycle beauty packaging, and divert hard-to-recycle beauty packaging away from landfills. 

A system of numbers ranging from 1-7, used on plastic packaging to indicate the type of resin its made from. Helps recyclers sort and process different type of plastic packaging. 

Credo requires that all plastic packaging feature the resin code and resin material abbreviations.

A type of biobased product derived from plants and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials that provide an alternative to conventional petroleum-based products. 

Credo encourages brands using bio-plastics to opt for those that are chemically equivalent to the petroleum-based plastic types so that they may be recycled.

Products that are able to undergo aerobic (with oxygen) biological decomposition in a compost system (specified conditions) such that the material becomes visually indistinguishable and breaks down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. There are certain qualifications that deem packaging compostable including meeting the applicable standard specifications and is third party certified to meet the standard specifications. 

Credo notes that compostable usually means via an industrial compost facility, not backyard compost. 

The ability of a material to be broken down by microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and algae) into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. Does not require specified conditions to occur.

Credo notes that biodegradable materials are NOT necessarily compostable. 

Sources that naturally replenish themselves and have a low or zero-carbon footprint. 

A specialized plant that sorts mixed recyclables (paper, plastics, metal, and glass) using machinery and manual labor to help prepare them for reuse.